Do You Really Need a Dental Crown? Signs It's Time To Get One

Millions of Americans have dental crowns to protect severely damaged or decaying teeth. A crown is a porcelain, ceramic, or metal cap that fits over a permanent tooth, improving its shape, function, and appearance. Crowns are one of the most common dental restorations, but if you’ve never had one, you might wonder if you can benefit.

At Willow Glen Dental Center in San Jose, California, our caring team regularly uses crowns to protect natural teeth and help patients avoid extractions. Read on to learn more about crowns and when they’re most beneficial.

What are dental crowns?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped covering that repairs a weak, broken, or decaying tooth. They’re often used to repair severe cavities but can also be placed on root canal-treated teeth to prevent further damage and cover dental implants. 

Dental crowns don’t last forever, but they’re often strong enough to restore your smile for 10-15 years and help keep it vibrant and healthy.

Common signs you might need a dental crown

Here are some common signs you might need a dental crown:

1. Broken or cracked teeth

Don't wait to explore a dental crown if you get hit in the mouth or bite down on something tough, like an ice cube, causing a chip or crack in your tooth. Even minor tooth damage can worsen over time, so taking preventive action is essential. A crown can restore your tooth’s strength and appearance, acting as a reinforcement.

2. A tooth with extensive decay

For minor cavities, we typically recommend fillings. Fillings fill a hole in your damaged enamel, restoring your tooth and preventing further decay. However, large cavities that extend beyond the enamel often require additional support. A crown covers your entire tooth, ensuring the decay doesn’t worsen.

3. A root canal

A root canal is an endodontic procedure that treats a severe tooth infection. During a root canal, we remove the infected pulp from inside your tooth, rinse out any remaining bacteria, and fill the space with gutta-percha. 

While this stops the infection from spreading and prevents the need for an extraction, the hole drilled to access the pulp needs to be covered. A crown meets this need and restores your tooth to its original shape and size.

4. A misshapen or severely worn tooth

Crowns are often used to repair tooth damage and decay, but also have cosmetic benefits. For example, if you have a misshapen tooth due to genetics or a severely worn tooth from habits like teeth grinding or jaw clenching, a crown can transform your tooth and make it more aesthetically pleasing.

While crowns were once traditionally made of metal amalgam, modern ones are made of composite materials that closely mimic natural tooth enamel. This ensures the crown blends in with your smile, providing stunning results.

Request a dental crown consultation

Dental crowns are a quick, convenient, and affordable way to improve the appearance of your smile if you have damaged, decaying, or worn-down teeth. Schedule an appointment to see if you can benefit from a crown.

Contact Willow Glen Dental Center today. Call the office or send us a message.